Wealthy Howard

Wealthy Elizabeth Howard was born December 8, 1938 in Newton, Mississippi to Robert and Christine Shields. She earned her wings on Sunday, November 22, 2020 at Covenant Hospital, Saginaw, Michigan.

Mother Howard was married in 1956 to the late Rev. Nathaniel Howard II and was married just shy of 51 years. Together they raised ten children – Roger, Melvin, Jeanette, Elizabeth, John, Nathaniel III, David, Mark, Kenneth and Stanley.

Wealthy was a hard-working woman. After marrying at a young age, she went back to school to earn her high school diploma, LPN and RN license, all while raising a large family. She was very proud of fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming an RN and worked at Saginaw General Hospital for nearly twenty years. She made many friends while working and remembered them all fondly.

Mother Howard helped co-found Holy Mission Ministries C.O.G.I.C. with the late Rev. Nathaniel Howard in 1968 and was first lady for 32 years. She served in the church faithfully and cheerfully wherever needed. To name a few ways she served, she was a teacher, soloist, drummer, secretary, and much more.

She was the Mother of Mothers, the neighborhood mom to the Brodnex, Oglesby, Banda, Gonzalez, Parham, Liggins, Casares, Jackson families and many more. She encouraged many to pursue their dreams and was a shoulder to lean on to those who were hurting. She had that southern hospitality and made sure you had a hot meal or cup of coffee before leaving her house. She will always be remembered by her infectious smile!

Mother Howard was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Nathaniel Howard, II; sons, Roger, Nathaniel III and Kenny Howard; daughters, Jeanette Howard, Elizabeth Davis; parents, Christine Shields, Robert (Lillie Mae) Shields; one brother, Walter Shields; one sister, Betty Colquitte.

She leaves to celebrate her life, Melvin (Eloise), John, David (Diane), Mark and Stanley Howard; Dorothy Camese, Houston, TX; Bonnie Shields, Newton, MS; Mary Carolyn (Jerry) Anderson, Forrest, MS; Loretta Cook, Saginaw, MI; Debra Shields, Ypsilanti, MI; Mitchell (Glenda) Shields, Columbus, MS; Cornelius J. Shields, Ypsilanti, MI; one sister-in-law, Marilyn Jean Cheathem of Vasser, MI; 23 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins, her church family, other relatives and many friends.

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